11/18/2025
A Weekend Our Shelter Will Never Forget: LARGE-SCALE ANIMAL RESCUE IN HENRY COUNTY
There are moments in this work that stay with you forever — the kind that weigh heavy on your heart, yet remind you exactly why we show up every single day. This weekend was one of those moments.
This weekend, our shelter and our Animal Services deputies faced one of the largest and most emotionally challenging animal rescues Henry County has ever seen. On Friday, 106 dogs of all ages and breeds were removed from extremely unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside a home in Martinsville. Our deputies, shelter staff, volunteers and SPCA partners worked from late afternoon until 4:30 a.m. to safely remove every single animal from the property.
But when the sun came up, reality hit: our small shelter simply couldn’t hold that many lives. We needed help. Immediate help. Because we are a small open-intake shelter with very limited space, we knew we could not do this alone. And without hesitation, our village stepped forward.
💙 A very special and heartfelt thank you to Squishy Face Rescue and Old Dominion Humane Society for immediately driving down on Saturday to help us. These two incredible organizations pulled 58 dogs between them — offering safety, medical care, and a fresh start for animals who desperately needed it. Their willingness to mobilize instantly made an enormous impact during an overwhelming situation, and we could not be more grateful.
💙 We also want to extend a profound thank you to the Martinsville–Henry County SPCA staff, who worked through the night right beside us to safely remove every animal from the property. Their team not only helped capture and transport dogs in the early morning hours—they also took several into their shelter for care. Their dedication, compassion, and teamwork made an impossible night survivable.
💙 To every volunteer who stepped in—both the night of the rescue and again the next day—thank you. From helping with late-night intake, to cleaning, feeding, walking, transporting, sorting paperwork, and comforting terrified dogs, you showed up when we needed you most. Your hands, hearts, and strength helped carry this weight.
💙 We want to extend a huge thank-you to Franklin County Humane Society for stepping in to help during this critical time — from pulling several animals already in our care to free up much-needed space, to lending us crates that made cleaning and transport possible. Your support truly made a difference, and we are so grateful.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to every organization that came together to ensure these dogs had somewhere safe to land:
• Old Dominion Humane Society
• Squishy Face Rescue
• Lynchburg Humane Society
• Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
• Operation Paws for Homes
• Daisy’s Legacy
• Remy’s Reign
• Doggone Happy Rescue
Your support helped ensure every dog received timely placement, evaluation, and care.
This operation underscores something we see every day: when animals are in crisis, our community shows up.
To our deputies, our staff, our rescue partners, our SPCA partners, and every volunteer who stepped in—thank you for your strength, compassion, and endurance.
🛑 If you see or suspect animal neglect or abuse in Henry County, please contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 63-CRIME. Your call can save a life.
Together, we stand for the voiceless. 💙🐾r
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 17, 2025
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
Large-Scale Animal Rescue Conducted in Henry County
On November 14, 2025, at approximately 2:15 p.m., deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit conducted a welfare check on the animals and occupants of a residence located at 102 Winnie
Lane, Martinsville, VA, in Henry County.
Upon arrival, deputies observed a large number of dogs outside the residence, both in kennels and within a fenced area. Conditions observed outside the home prompted deputies to conduct an interior welfare
assessment.
Inside the residence, deputies encountered extremely hazardous and unsanitary living conditions. Large accumulations of f***s were present throughout the home, consistent with long-term indoor animal activity.
Floors and living areas were heavily soiled with urine and f***s, creating serious health and safety concerns for the animals and for the individuals residing in the home. Based on the conditions observed, deputies determined
that the dogs were living in poor and unsafe conditions and required immediate removal for their welfare.
Personnel from the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA, the Henry County Animal Shelter, and deputies from the Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division responded directly to the scene to assist with capturing, removing,
and transporting the animals. Teams worked continuously from late afternoon until 4:30 a.m., safely securing and relocating every animal.
A total of 106 dogs of varying breeds and ages were seized from the property. The owner voluntarily surrendered all animals to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is currently consulting with
the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office regarding the appropriate course of action and possible charges. This investigation is ongoing.
Because the Henry County Animal Shelter did not have the capacity to house all 106 dogs, several animal welfare organizations responded the following day to assist with intake, evaluation, and placement. The
Sheriff’s Office extends sincere appreciation to the following partner organizations:
• Old Dominion Humane Society
• Lynchburg Humane Society
• Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
• They Rescue Us Rescue
• Operation Paws for Homes
• Daisy’s Legacy
• Remy’s Reign
• Doggone Happy Rescue
Their support ensured that the animals received timely placement, medical assessment, and safe housing.
This operation highlights the dedication of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Animal Services Division, and our community partners in responding to large-scale animal welfare concerns. Their coordinated efforts
ensured the safe removal, care, and relocation of more than one hundred animals.
Statement from Sheriff Wayne Davis
“This was one of the largest animal rescue operations our agency has ever undertaken. I am extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by our deputies, animal services staff, and every partnering rescue organization. Their teamwork ensured that more than one hundred animals were removed safely and humanely. We are sincerely grateful for the assistance provided by our community partners and volunteers.”
— Sheriff Wayne Davis
Reporting Animal Abuse or Neglect
Anyone with information related to animal neglect or abuse in Henry County is encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or the Crime Stoppers line at 63-CRIME (276-632-7463). All information will be handled confidentially. Tips that lead to charges or convictions may be eligible for a cash reward.
